This article will give you home tips for bridal preparation before marriage to ensure your wedding photos are beautiful and memorable. As an experienced wedding photographer in St. Petersburg, I can provide insights to make your bridal preparation seamless. Here are some key pointers:

Find the Light at Your Wedding

When it comes to taking the best wedding photos, light is your friend. If you are choosing a place to get your makeup done or put on your dress, opt for a space that is open and bright. Look around your home to find the best spots. The conservatory or in front of a bedroom window are common choices.
To find the light, make a fist and hold it up. The side that appears the brightest is the direction of your light source. When getting dressed and applying your makeup, face this direction. This will not only improve your photos but also help your makeup artist to have a more accurate depiction of your makeup in natural sunlight.
The window light is a diffused light source that will make your photos more pleasing. Artificial lights, like the main room light, can create deep shadows that might not be flattering. Natural light is always preferable.

Utilize Your Wedding Photographer

Meeting your photographer the day before the wedding at the preparation venue can be incredibly beneficial. I often look around the space (with permission) to suggest the best spots for getting ready. If an in-person visit isn’t possible, send your photographer pictures of the room so they can make recommendations.

Keep It Clean and Clutter-Free

On the morning of your wedding, you might not think about how tidy everything is. I’ve been in many preparation rooms with everything from last night’s dressing gown to flower offcuts on the floor. These items can clutter your background photos. Before the wedding, take a look at your surroundings and remove anything you don’t want in the background. Store items in a cupboard or another room.
Imagine you’re getting ready in your living room but typically have salt and pepper shakers in the middle. Store them away beforehand. Spend five minutes looking around and removing as many items as possible to keep the room simple and clean for photos. This ensures the focus remains on you.

Extreme Cleaning

I once met a bride who went the extra mile by painting and installing new carpets before the wedding. While this level of preparation is extreme, ensuring your home is clean and free of cobwebs can make a significant difference. Consider hiring a professional to clean your entire home before the wedding to reduce stress.

Manage Your Space

Keep the main preparation space free on the morning of your wedding. Conduct other activities in different rooms. Store flowers in the kitchen and dresses in another bedroom. Ask your bridal party not to touch anything if you’re getting married at a hotel.

Assign Someone to Assist

Bridesmaids will likely be with you at your home or hotel to get their hair done. Assign them to help keep everything clean and sorted. As soon as you finish eating, ask them to call reception to remove trays. Create a list for them to check off tasks, such as watching for rogue packaging, hair grips, and small items. Empty glasses and plates are common distractions that can be quickly removed. Let everyone know your plans in advance to reduce your stress on the big day.

By following these home tips for bridal preparation before marriage, you can ensure clear, clutter-free photographs of your special day. For professional wedding photography services in St. Petersburg, contact Ra Weddings Photography. Our team is dedicated to capturing the beauty and joy of your wedding, ensuring memories that last a lifetime.
Check out our blog to see some of the bridal preparation photos from our past weddings and get inspired for your big day. Contact Ra Weddings Photography today to book your session!